Welcome to our beloved Monday Morning Blooms.
Shirley isn't able to join us this time, but as a special treat we have a guest joining our flower therapy today! We're excited to welcome Sarah of Hyacinths for the Soul as our guest. I know you will love her as much as we do! Be sure to visit her, Mary and Pam by clicking on the links at the bottom of this post.
Honestly, I've missed gathering people around my table more than anything else during this time, I think. You too? This table works just as well for your immediate family as it will, later, when larger gatherings are once again de rigueur.
FIVE TIPS FOR CREATING A TABLE SETTING WITH THE CHARM OF FRENCH STYLE.
TIP ONE: Flowers are a must.
If you have been a subscriber and/or reader for a while, then you know that for me, flowers are always a must have for any table setting. French friends always, always, always have fresh flowers on their table. It can be a lush bouquet {and it usually is, flowers aren't expensive in France} or just one or two single blooms in a glass bottle. I made two arrangements for my table, since I couldn't choose between spray roses, miniature French carnations, and beautiful sea lavender in two colors.
TIP TWO: Use Unusual Containers.
While a proper "vase" is always in style, it's so much more fun to use something else to hold your flowers! For my first bouquet I used an antique French enamelware coffee pot, with a sweet pink rose design on the front.
For the second floral arrangement for this table, I used an antique French pudding mold, because I loved the shape of the ridges on it. I taped the top off with our clear floral tape in a grid, to allow the flowers to stand.
TIP THREE: Mix textures.
For this table, I was inspired by the way my French friends set their tables at home. They don't worry too much about layering an antique linen with new pieces, so neither did I. I began with an antique French sheet, then layered these sumptuous pink velvet round placemats. How gorgeous are these? I wish you could feel them, because they are so soft. The ruffled linen napkins are a perfect combination.
TIP FOUR: Mix and Match Flatware.
I used two pieces with mother-of-pearl handles and a spoon that is part of my Mom's silver that I inherited. Like my French friends, I say "flatware is very happy mixed together, and actually makes your whole table setting much more interesting."
TIP FIVE: Keep to a monochromatic color scheme.
French style can be a riot of colors, but more often it is a study in classic, elegant monochromatic design. My table has a neutral base with the French antique sheet in flax, then I added the soft dusty pinks of the placemats and the napkins. The flowers are also in monochromatic colors of pinks, highlighted by my Lenten roses that I had left over.
My flowers :
- Dianthus Caryophyllus {Miniature French Carnations}
- Limonium {Pink & Purple Sea Lavender}
- Pink Spray Roses
- Matthiola Incana {Stock}
- Helleborus Orientalis {Lenten Rose}
Please Visit my friends by clicking on their links below:
SARAH of Hyacinths for the Soul
and me, LIDY of FrenchGardenHouse.
A BIENTOT
Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and above all uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com
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24 comments
Thanks Lidy.
I have a French mold that I purchased in France and I’m anxious to use it as you did. What a gorgeous collection of flowers. Oh those dreamy placemats are the perfect compliment to
your beautiful French inspired table.
You make me smile always.
Alice, I’m so hoping that you will be able to see your family again very soon. Now that we’re getting vaccinated, surely this will be the year of gatherings once again? Fingers crossed. Sea lavender is Limonium carolinianum, it grows here in our coastal area of California. I have some in our front garden. It is a hardy plant, and the flowers are tall, and practically a “dried” flower straight out of the gate. You should google it, it’s a pretty thing.
You always have a lesson for us to make our day more charming. I must ask what is sea lavender? I don’t know it. Also I love the mixing of flatware and will use my mother of pearl pieces mixed with old silver pieces at the next setting. I would love to have a flax small tablecloth to use but haven’t found one. The velvet placemats, oh my goodness, would really romanticize the setting. I also think having friends over, my family lives 1500 miles away, is what I have missed most, because I need the contact and I love to cook and serve.
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Thank you Nancy! I hope you enjoyed your visit here, and maybe soon we can once again actually visit France!
I felt as though I was in France…!
Thank you for such a beautiful gathering of pretty flowers and lovely dishes.
Happy Monday to you!
Thank you so much Mary Anna!
Jenna, happy Monday to you! Thank you for visiting, it’s always a joy to see you here. In this February month, we need a little bit of velvet and ruffles, and pink.
Good Monday Morning, Shannon! We all three share Mr. Faudree’s opinion…: ) Thanks so much for your visit, it’s always a joy to see you here, friend. xo
Thank you Rita! I love how the pudding mold arrangement turned out too, the ridges are really cute! Have a beautiful week too, Rita, hope you stay warm!!